Calendar of Events

Harry S. Truman Little White House
111 Front Street
Key West, Florida 33040
Calendar of Events
January, 2010: FDR in the Florida Keys Exhibit. The forgotten May 14 - 15, 2010: Eighth Truman Legacy Symposium focuses
story of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s experiments in hydrotherapy for on Truman’s Far East Legacy of Japan, Korea, Vietnam and the
polio in 1923,1924,1925 and 1926. Two Chinas Jointly sponsored with the Truman Presidential Li-
brary of Independence, Missouri.
January, 2010: Seasons Greetings from the White House contin- Details at www.TrumanSymposium.com
ues until the end of the month. The Little White House collection
of presidential Christmas cards and gift prints. July 15 - Nov 15, 2010: I Like Ike, Too - A look at our 34th US
president and his 1955-1956 stay at the Little White House.
February - March 31, 2010: With Love, Harry – A look at some
of the letters between Harry and Bess Truman. November 16, 2010 - January 10, 2011: – A Very Merry 1940’s
Christmas. The Little White House decorated for the holidays
February, 2010 - Happy 125th Birthday, Bess Truman – A trib- using our collection of 1940, and 1950s ornaments.
ute to the first lady on her 125th birthday. Details at www.Tru-
manSymposium.com December 19, 2010: Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation
Members Only Christmas Party at the Little White House. Come
April 15 - July 15, 2010: Sixtieth Anniversary of Korean War get in the spirit enjoy a bit of holiday cheer and see the house
Exhibit. decorated as it was in World War II.
Message From the Executive Director
New for 2010 Proposed Key West
Donor Recognition Pin Presidential Center
Celebrating 125
Years of Harry S. Truman
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
2009 has been an extraordinary year filled with memo-
ries. National and international observances were held in
honor of President Harry S. Truman’s 125th birthday an-
niversary.
The 2008 presidential election saw all candidates from
both the Democratic and Republican parties invoking
Harry Truman in their campaign speeches and promises.
In February 2009, C-Span Cable News Network con-
cluded its latest poll by 64 presidential historians ranking
the presidents in terms of moral authority, human rights,
international relations, administrative skills, vision and The restoration of the Little White House is in its final stages, but
our current exhibition space limits our ability to interpret the military
overall performance. Truman, for a second time, ranked New for 2010 , donors contributing $100 or more will receive our history of Key West, its strategic role in the Cold War and the emer-
as our fifth greatest president. Donor Recognition Pin suitable for wear on suit or blouse. This pin gence of the modern presidency. The proposed Key West Presiden-
Every day we at the Little White House have an oppor- combines our national colors with the inaugural eagle used in 1948 tial Center will provide opportunities for students of all ages to
tunity through our interpretative tours and exhibits to in- created in antique gold. Please wear it proudly knowing you have benefit from greatly expanded exhibits, an auditorum, classrooms
helped protect and preserve a national treasure used by seven and research facilities. The center will also house our offices and
troduce Harry Truman to a new audience. Perhaps more American presidents…The Little White House. larger museum store.
importantly, we introduce the concept that one individual
can change the world for the better.
Harry Truman was such an individual. His administra- 2009 Donors
tion changed American foreign policy forever through the
Wellington Goddin Edward Rokita Robert & Linda Frechette
creation of the United Nations, the Truman Doctrine, the
Edwin Goodpaster Stanley & Karon Rzad Helen Harrison
creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Jacqueline Grimm William & Linda Schrufer Jan George Interiors
Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Robert J. Wolz, Executive Director Phil & Ann Hansen Charles & Jacqueline Simon Daniel & Sheila Keary
Council. Robert Harra, Jr. Robert & Fran Silverman Raymond Frey
achieved the milestone of
Through the use of five “Make no little plans. Make the biggest Ann Henderson Spottswood Management David Gilbertson
raising $1 million dollars
Executive Orders he ex- Ervin & Sandy Higgs Tommy Taylor Charles Gilmore
panded basic human rights plan you can think of, and spend the for the restoration of the Paul Hilson Steve & Anne Trogner Edith Gordon
house and gardens . For- Wayne & Carol Hilson Marilyn Vanderveen Eric Halpin & Lester Ogdahl
by desegregating the federal rest of your life carrying it out.” mer Senator George Mc- Amanda Hobart Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3911 J. William Hickman
workforce and the U.S.
Govern attended the
Armed Forces . He gave -Harry S. Truman rededication of the house
Robert Hoopes
Dennis Howley
Edward & Lori Walters
Bert Whitt & Dennis Beaver
William & Terese Memmer
Sheldon & Deborah Mermelstein
hope to a new nation in the
on May 15. We are obvi- Dale Johnson Teresa Riley Wilson Michael Miltko
immediate recognition of the state of Israel. He confirmed
ously very proud of these accomplishments and hope you Rene & Erma LaPierre Sue & Harold Winshall Joseph & Susan Moore
the supremacy of the civilian government over the military Mark & Janice Lux Robert J Wolz Harry Ramsey
agree your investment has paid huge dividends. These ac-
by dismissing General Douglas MacArthur in Korea. Rudy Molinet Udo Reif
complishment were only possible through your generous
He was the first to use the principle of working vacations E.A. Jackson Morris $99 to $50 Margarette Russell
support.
using the Little White House as the functioning White Roger Morse Builders Gilbert Angermenn Alan & Ann Simpson
We look forward to your continued membership and do-
House of America. Navy League, Key West Council Brian Behler Thomas Tumola
nations in 2010.
This year was the first time C-Span Cable News chose Eileen Nolte Douglas Brattebo Esther Tupino
to broadcast our annual Truman Legacy Symposium fur- William Ogle & Lisa Vangilder James Bryan Henry Woods
Thank you ! Mary Lou Pfeiffer Prudence Churchill Sheldon & Judith Zabar
ther expanding our educational outreach to a national au-
dience. Stephen & Francis Porter Wanda Coury
Robert Wolz, Executive Director Mark Rinaldi Ronald & Mary Demes
Your foundation is only seven years old and we have
Key West Harry S Truman Foundation, Inc.
Message from the Executive Director 2 15 Presidents Still Use the Little White House
Key West Harry S. Happy Birthday, Mr. President
Truman Donor Honor Roll May 7th & 8th, 2009 were very important dates to observe
at the Little White House as we celebrated the 125th anniver-
Robert Griffen, the
first engineer for
2008 Donors sary of Harry Truman’s birth. The weather made it perfect.
Large throngs of well-wishers turned out and the program fo-
the Tuskegee Air-
men and Pilot
$150,000 to $100,000 Allen Wimer & Robin Weiss Nancy Ladd
Monroe County Tourist Development Jason A. & Sharidon Wolz Rene & Erma LaPierre cused on three special aspects of this incredible man’s life: Hiram Mann who
Council Ileen Matthews human rights; the humanitarian mission of the Berlin Airlift retired with the
$999 to 500 Joel Meisel and the Marshall Plan; and on Truman’s recognition of Israel. rank of Lieutenant
$50,000 to $20,000 Campbell Cawood Monroe County Bar Association This event was jointly sponsored by the Little White House, Colonel, USAF
Historic Tours of America, Inc. Michael & Maija Devine Gerald & Marina Mosher Congregation B’nai Zion, and Key West Post 3911 of the Vet- were among the at-
Roger & Marney Heinen Mary Lou Pfeiffer erans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliaries. tendees. Truman
$10,000 to $5,000 Reef Mobile Tropical Shell & Gift Eddie Jacobson, Truman’s business partner, was a leading wrote five Execu-
Anonymous Donor Roger Morse Builders Suzanne Waggoner force behind Truman’s recognition of Israel. Gloria Schuster- tive Orders to ad-
Spottswood Companies Eugene & Judith Roberts Ronald Wilder man, Eddie’s daughter, represented the Jacobson family and vance civil rights
Edwin O. & Nancy Swift Robert J Wolz shared stories of the friendship between Eddie and Harry. of all Americans.
$4,999 to $2500 A group of Tuskegee Airman, forerunners of the civil rights Brigadier Gen-
Anonymous Donor $499 to $100 $99 to $50 movement, attended. eral Walter Ludwig
Warren Abbey Ronald Beck Robert Hughes, a white instructor for the Tuskegee Airmen, of the Federal Re-
$2499 to $1000 William Budinger James Bryan public of Germany
Edith Amsterdam Class of 1998, Key West High School Edith Gordon represented his
Clifton Truman & Polly Daniel Wanda Coury Robert Hoffman government and
Edward B. Knight Jamie Curcio Rebecca Jetton brought thanks for Event’s guide for Truman’s 125th
Old Town Trolley Tours® of Key West William & Marilyn Dooley Paula Lukeroth Truman’s bold ini- birthday celebration.
Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller David Francis Jonathan Pride tiatives of both the Berlin Airlift that supplied food and fuel
Robert & Elena Spottswood John & Berna French Ed Scales to Berlin from June 1948 until May 1949 and the larger Mar-
Tom & Jane Vetter Paul Hilson
shall Plan that aided nearly all of Europe in the postwar years.
Col. Gail Halvorsen also attended. He became known as
2009 Donors the Berlin Candy Bomber as he was the first to drop candy
bars to the children of Berlin.
$25,000 to $20,000 Conch Color Newspaper Kip Larson
Truman was surely with us in spirit. President Truman is
Blue Island Irrigation Evan & Barbara Corns Barbara McConagha
shown here with his 61st birthday cake. Our birthday cake
Glidden Paint and Coatings Clifton Truman & Polly Daniel Kate Miano
served more than 300 guests.
Preferred Painting of the Florida Keys Deborah A. Designs Al & Carol Metty Federal Republic of Germany’s
Sheldon Davidson & Susan Server Reef Mobile Brigadier General Walter Ludwig
$19,999 to $10,000 Carl Gilly Landscaping Steven & Carol Sonstein and Berlin Airlift hero, Col. Gail
Monroe County Tourist Development Roger & Marney Heinen Cecil Vollmer Hoversen, the famous WWII
Mrs. Gloria Schusterman “Candy Bomber.”
Council Edward B. Knight
Alan & Ellen Levin $499 to $100
$9,999 to $5000 Lee & Sandra McMannis David Barker
Spottswood Companies Old Town Trolley Tours® of Key West Bruce Baumann
Trophia Butterfly Foundation Jean Olson Chris & Piper Belland
Jimmy Olson Campbell Cawood
$4999 to $2500 Gloria Schusterman David Clark
Anonymous Donor Toppino & Sons Congregation B’Nai Zion
John Buchanan Tom & Jane Vetter Francis Conroy
Gary’s Plumbing Tweed Charitable Trust Brian Donovan & William Kirkland
Jason A. & Sharidon Wolz George Ferandez & Sam Trophia
$999 to $500 John & Berna French
$2499 to $1000 Tom Clements Frances & Benson Ford
Warren Abbey Michael & Maija Devine Phyllis Gagner
Edith Amsterdam Great Events Catering David & Lynn Kaufelt WWII heros, the Tuskeegee Airmen, were America’s first African
Kitty Clements Linda & Fred Greenberg Lambada Democrats American pilots. (L to R) Robert Hughes, Robert Griffen, and Hiram Mann.
Key West Harry S. Truman Donor Honor Roll 14 3 Celebrating 125 Years of Harry S. Truman
Exhibits on Display
Key West Harry S.
Telling the President’s Story Through Exhibits Truman Donor Honor Roll
The Little White House – From Com- The value of a state heritage landmark like the Little
The Little White House has engaged in
a number of programs and exhibits to mandant’s House to the White House White House can not be measured in dollars and cents, but
Levels and Benefits of Support
share the stories of the American presi- Some of our photo archives of the Little in the lives we touch and the guiding principles we are able $50 Donation
dency with our visitors and guests of all White House as seen through the years. to impart to a new generation. Donate $50 and
ages. It is with the deepest humility that we, therefore, acknowl- receive free ad-
Some of our recent exhibits have in- Harry Truman at 125 : From Farmboy mission for one
edge and thank you for your financial support. It is only
cluded : to Statesman full year.
through your significant investment that we are able to fill
A photo review of Truman’s life from our mission: $100 Donation
Presidents in Paradise rare baby photos in 1884 to his death in
1. To protect and preserve the Donate $100 and
The semi-permanent photo archive of 1972. receive a special
vintage photographs of Presidents building and grounds of the state
donor recogni-
Ulysses S. Grant, William Howard Taft, Season’s Greeting From the White heritage landmark known as the
tion pin plus free admission
Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, House Harry S. Truman Little White for one full year. $1,000 Donation
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry Tru- Michael Grunwald (left) with Ken Hechler, A display of official presidential Christ- House. Donate $1,000 and receive
man, Dwight David Eisenhower, John F. former Truman staffer who attends every mas cards and accompanying gift prints
2. To accumulate and disseminate $250 Donation two tickets to the Truman
Kennedy, Jimmy Carter and symposium. issued by the Presi- Legacy Symposium Recep-
information about the American Donate $250 and receive the
William Jefferson Clinton in Key “To accumulate and disseminate dent of the United presidency with special empha- Buck Stops Here sign plus tion and one full year free
West. States, from Eisen- sis on President Harry Truman free admission for one full admission.
information about the American hower through
and the presidents, past and pres-
year.
Every Four Years, the Presiden- George W. Bush. $10,000 Donation
tial Electoral Process presidency with special emphasis on ent, who have enjoyed the $500 Donation Donate $10,000 and receive
I’m Just Mild
Florida Keys and Key West. Donate $500 and receive an free use of the presidential
An educational exhibit that ex-
plain the Electoral College and
President Harry Truman and the About Harry
3. To interpret the continued use of autographed copy of the dining room for a presiden-
the site for historic events and Legacy of the Little White tial dinner and free tour for
featured a massive collection of presidents, past and present, who have A thought- pro-
visits by world leaders in light of House and free admission your guests.
campaign buttons for Barack voking examination
Obama and John McCain as well enjoyed the Florida Keys and Key West.” of Truman political President Truman’s role as the for one year.
as sixteen third party candidates cartoons that al- father of modern statesmanship.
who were running for President in 2008. lowed the viewer to examine how cartoons reflect public
opinion or help create it. 2007 Donors
Upset: The 1948 Election $19,999 to $15,000 Evan & Barbara Corns Campbell Cawood
A display of 1948 campaign memorabilia from the Little FDR in the Florida Keys Monroe County Tourist Edward B. Knight David Clark
White House collection. Rare items included Whistle-Stop A recently discovered story of Franklin Roosevelt’s four Development Council Joel Meisel Tom & Kitty Clements
Train menus, a sterling silver whiskey jigger owned by Pres- years in the Florida Keys from 1923 to 1926 as he experi- Old Town Trolley Tours® of Key West Community Foundation of Florida Keys
ident Truman, and a massive collection of buttons used by mented with hydrotherapy to cure his polio. $14,999 to $10,000 Radisson Hotel Michael and Maija Devine
the different candidates’ in the 1948 campaign. Historic Tours of America, Inc. Rosanne Spendley Ronald Grosnick
A White House Christmas John D. Evans Foundation Fawnie Spottswood Stephanie Happ
1948 – The Year That Changed A display of the official White House Christmas ornament Jack & Terri Spottswood Paul Hilson
the World collection created by the White House Historical Association. $9,999 to $5,000 Robert & Elena Spottswood Joseph Liszka & Frank Romano
Events included recognition of Preferred Painting of the Florida Keys Edwin O. & Nancy Swift Michael Schwartz
Israel, the Marshall Plan, the Edward & Betty Toppino Tropical Shell & Gift, Inc.
Berlin Airlift, two of Truman’s $4,999 to $2,500 Allan Wimer & Robin Weiss Suzanne & Benjamin Waggoner
Anonymous Donor Kathryn Walker
human rights executive orders,
Tweed Charitable Trust $999 to $500 Jason & Sharidon Wolz
the re-election of President Tru-
Warren Abbey Robert Wolz
man and fun facts like the start of
$2,499 to $1,000 Michael Bairstown
NASCAR, the invention of Edith Amsterdam $99 to 50
Scrabble and the summer William Anderson $499 to $100 Frederick Hoffman
Olympics in London. Bayer Chemical Company Tim Blackwell Ed Scales
Christine Todd Whitman 2009 panel of Presidential Scholars for the Truman Symposium.
Comfort Inn Robert Buszta
Exhibits on Display 4 13 Key West Harry S. Truman Donor Honor Roll
Celebrating 125 years of Harry S. Truman
OUR MISSION
Our Outreach Continues
The Key West Harry S Truman Foundation, Inc. exists for the purpose of protecting and preserving
the building and grounds of the state historic site known as the Through Special Programs
Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Florida. On a regional basis, a number of school children visit from
the tri county area in the form of organized field trips.
Our mission includes accumulating and disseminating information about the American presidency Special programming is offered to the teachers, and instruc-
tional games are included that help the children to focus on
with special emphasis on President Harry S. Truman and the what they are seeing as they tour through the house. Last
American presidents, past and present, who have enjoyed the Florida Keys and Key West. year we had nearly 5,000 elementary school children tour the
site.
Photo by: National Archives- Atlanta
The Harry S. Truman Little White House is a living museum, not frozen in time. For the adult audience the Key West Harry S. Truman Foun-
dation has partnered with the Truman Presidential Library of
While it is imperative to maintain focus on the most important use of the building during Independence, Missouri to conduct a national educational
President Truman's visits from 1946 to 1952, it is a site of continuing historic events and visits conference each year here in Key West.
by world leaders and these too must be commemorated and recognized, World class scholars present original research thus broad-
especially in light of President Truman's role as the father of modern statesmanship. ening our knowledge of President Truman’s legacy.
Recent topics have included: Key West High senior Luis Gonzalez, Jr. won $200 from the National
Archives for his essay on his grandfather becoming a US citizen.
2007: Truman’s Environmental Legacy: 2008: Coming To America: Truman’s Immigration Legacy
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS From Los Alamos to the Everglades We were honored that the National Archives Southeast Of-
Keynote speakers included former Environmental Protec- fice headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia hosted a county-wide
Edwin O. Swift, Chairman Christopher Belland Evan Corns
Key West, Florida Key West, Florida Key West, Florida / Cleveland, Ohio tion Agency administrator Christine Todd Whitman and school essay contest entitled “Becoming A Citizen”. Panelists
Michael Grunwald, author of The Swamp. explored Truman’s Plan that allowed Asian and Pacific Is-
Robert J. Wolz, Director Mary Haffenreffer Thomas Vetter landers to emigrate to the US as well as recent changes in im-
Key West, Florida Key West, Florida / Rhode Island Key West, Florida / Jefferson City, Missouri migration laws aimed at easing African and Latino
immigration.
NATIONAL ADVISORY COUCNCIL
Presidents Still Use This latest symposium held in May 2009 was entitled, The
Edwin O. Swift Dr. Robert Watson George Born The Little White House President and the Congress: A Conflicted Legacy
US Senate Historian Don Ritchie chaired this excellent con-
Chairman Lynn University Brown University ference that examined Presidents from Truman to Obama and
Key West, Florida Boca Raton, Florida Providence, Rhode Island explored their successes and failures in dealing with the US
David Ferro Melissa Kendrick Deanna Lloyd Congress. This event was broadcast nationally by the C-Span
Florida Department of State Big Pine Key, Florida Cable News Network on June 13.
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society
Tallahassee, Florida Key West, Florida
Please note that exhibits and symposia topics are always
Dr. Michael Devine Dr. Diane Silvia posted on our permanent websites:
Truman Library Historic Florida Keys Foundation www.Trumanlittlewhitehouse.com
Independence, Missouri Key West, Florida and www.Trumansymposium.com
These educational successes are paid for by your generous
Robert Wolz is a non voting director of both the Board of Directors and the National Advisory Council. contributions and memberships.
The museum admissions and museum store provide an operating budget for the Little White House. Special Thank You...
Spottwood Companies and Marriott Beachside for
This operating budget provides for all staff salaries, less than 3% of the
donation of the speakers guestrooms and use of the
Key West Harry S Truman Foundation’s income is used for administration.
conference center.
On December 27th, 2007 President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter and
family made a visit to the Harry S. Truman Little White House. Old Town Trolley Tours® of Key West provided free
The Harry S. Truman Little White House State Heritage Landmark is owned by the Internal Improvement Trust Shown above are Director Bob Wolz and Operations Manager Paul transportation from the conference center to the Harry
and the governor and cabinet of the state of Florida. No state or federal administrative funding is received. Hilson welcoming the presidential family. This is their second visit S. Truman Little White House.
Your gifts, grants, donations and membership pay for educational outreach, to the house. They first came on January 31, 1996 for a family
preservation and restoration of the house and gardens. gathering and New Year’s Eve dinner.
Directors and Advisory Council 12 5 The Outreach Continues Through Special Programs
Environmental Work
The House Gets
Rededicated in 2009
Clifton Truman Daniel, the president’s eldest grandson, welcomes the audience on May 15
for the rededication of the Little White House and the opening of the Eighth Truman Legacy Symposium.
Becoming a Green Museum
Sixty years ago, the US Navy spent $100,000 to refurbish the
In May 2007, the fifth Truman Legacy Symposium was Save Water
Little White House and to make it more suitable for the Pres-
held on Truman’s environmental legacy. Our companion • Public restrooms were converted to low flow toilets thanks
ident and the guests he’d entertain here. In 1987, Pritam Singh
book released by Truman State University Press entitled The to a grant from the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. The
gave the Little White House to Governor Bob Graham and
Environmental Legacy of Harry S Truman argues that the be- change from 5 gallons per flush to 1.6 gallons is enormous.
two years later committed almost $1 million to open the site
ginning of the environmental movement came under Presi- • All sinks in the restroom and kitchen were converted to
as a museum . Since 2003, an additional $1 million was raised
dent Truman’s administration. water saving faucets. The new irrigation system is state
by your foundation to restore the house to its 1949 appearance.
The Little White House is located in the sensitive ecosys- of the art with better zones and timed control.
Your membership card allows you to visit as often as you
tem called the Florida Keys and we feel it our duty both to
choose for the whole year. Please take advantage of this ben-
society and to President Truman’s memory that we be as eco- Redecoration
efit. Enjoy the Little White House and proudly show it to your
logically responsible as possible. To this effort we have made • The paints donated by Glidden Paint and Coatings were
friends and family realizing your membership helped make it
the following improvements low in volatile organic compound (VOC). Since we
possible. We are close to completing the restoration; please
changed colors and shades our inventory of older paints
help us finish the last remaining projects by your continued Save Waste Paper was donated to local theaters for set design.
support.
• Reuse office paper by using faxes and other office paper
on both sides. We still have several major initiatives for which we are
• Recycle office paper and cardboard through the use of spe- seeking funding:
cial dumpsters. 1. Our carpet has had more than a million visitors and is
showing its 20 year age. It needs be replaced with a “green
Save Energy product” in the proper color scheme;
• The new HVAC system is energy star rated and our 5 units 2. We need to insulate the attic. We really need this as a high
use much less electricity than the 7 units manufactured in priority for further energy savings;
1988. 3. We need to collect water output from the air conditioning
• Our programmable thermostats raise the temperature and from rainwater and recycle it into the irrigation sys-
slightly at night. tem;
• All our lighting is converting to compact fluorescent bulbs. 4. We need to seek alternative means of electric and lighting.
• We have switched to a tankless hot water heater thanks to The Bureau of Historic Preservation has given tentative
Board Chairman Edwin O. Swift Bob Wolz, director, and Robert Watson the generous donation from Gary’s Plumbing of Key West. approval to solar electric alternatives both for our garden
welcomes former of Lynn University greet former • Susan Server donated a new washer and dryer to the house. lighting and electric generation.
Senator George McGovern. Truman staffer Ken Hechler.
The House Gets Rededicated in 2009 6 11 Environmental Work
Progress Report Harry’s Girls Auxiliary
Restoring the Historic Gardens The Next Generation
In March 2008, Foundation board member Mary Haffenr- History often repeats itself. During the 1948 Campaign a
effer was volunteering at the Monroe County Public Library corps of young ladies donned Harry Truman newsprint design
when she uncovered the remarkable story of Willard H. dresses and carrying Mason jars, collected much needed
Wells. funds for Harry Truman’s re-election campaign. They were
Mr. Willard Wells, a Key West native, was named the offi- called Harry’s Girls and are featured in Democracy At Work:
cial gardener of the Key West Naval Station prior to World The Official Report of the Democratic National Convention.
War I. A 1930s newspaper article related this story: Mr. Wells In 2003 the need arose for a corps of goodwill ambassadors
combed the island for nuts, seeds and cuttings which he to meet scholars and presenters coming to the first annual
planted and carefully nurtured on the naval station. As these Truman Legacy Symposium. A group of women volunteered
developed into a tropical paradise they attracted the attention to serve as our hostesses for these very important guests.
of Navy men, civilian botanists and even governmental ex- They chose the name Harry’s Girls as the name of their in-
perimental stations. formal organization.
David Fairchild of Original members were Mary Haffenreffer, Kitty Clements,
Fairchild Gardens in Committee reviewed a 1942 site plan June Gerard, Deborah Mermelstein, and Barbara Mc-
Miami, Florida.was one with Carl Gilley, our landscape designer. Conagha. Each year in May or June they volunteer to greet
of those who sent even met with master landscaper Carl Gilly to develop a master our Symposium guests. On at least one occasion a husband
more unusual and rare plan to return the gardens to their 1949 appearance. While was drafted into service as well.
specimens of plants the trees were intact the shrubs were all replaced with crotons, In 2008, the group greatly expanded as did their role with
from all over the world hibiscus and aralias. The Trophia Butterfly Foundation of the Little White House. While their primary function has been
which Mr. Wells added Key West awarded us a $5000 grant as seed money to repli- hosting our Symposium scholars they have taken an active
to his collection. More cate the gardens. Blue Island Irrigation and Lighting of Key role in searching antique shops and the internet for missing
than 2,786 trees and West donated an additional $20,000 toward a new irrigation furnishings for the restoration. They have designated funding
shrubs were planted on system. Edith Amsterdam of the Curry Mansion in Key West for certain projects like the re-upholstery of living room
the base. Many of these donated a number of Adirondack chairs that have been chairs, the framing of paintings and the restoration of the
rare specimen trees re- arranged in conversational groupings around the lawn to the 1949 gardens.
main around Truman delight of our many visitors and guests. More than $50,000 Today they are known as Harry’s Girls and Auxiliary and,
Annex. has been invested in these gardens and make a huge impact as can be seen from the photo below, now include a number
Site plans used by the upon our visitor experience. Thank you, again, for your gen- of men as well. All are dedicated to making the Little White
US Navy from 1942, erosity. Still, a few projects remain to be completed: the vin- House as presidential and welcoming as possible. Jane Vetter
Blue Island installing new irrigation.
1956, 1968 and 1989 tage photographs show brick bins around the largest trees on is the current president. A 1948 photo of Harry’s Girls at the National Convention.
still exist in the Little White House archive. Comparing these the north lawn and a garden lighting plan is still needed and
plans of various dates allowed us to determine most of the yet to be developed. The anticipated expense of this lighting
large trees surrounding the Little White House date from Mr. system is $75,000.
Wells’s plantings. East Indian almond trees line
the west lawn, a number of Royal Poinciana,
mahogany and gumbo limbo trees as well as a
very rare Soapberry or Chinaberry tree are lo-
cated on the northern lawn and sapodilla, avo-
cado and the individually-registered Truman
Mango tree (a Van Dyke mango) are located on
the east lawns. Dozens of varieties of palms in-
cluding coconut, Washingtonian, thatch and
date palm intermingle through the gardens.
Photo by: Betsy Dietz
The original 1890 wrought iron fence was re-
paired with missing pieces recast at OK
Foundry in Richmond, Virginia.
Representatives of your Foundation, Harry’s Harry’s Girls Auxiliary at the LWH, March 2009. From L to R: Bob Wolz, Jane Vetter, Edith Amsterdam, Kitty Clements, Mary Haffenreffer, Jimmy
Girls Auxiliary, and the Key West Garden Club Trophia Butterfly Foundation presented a $5000 gift to launch the restoration. Olson, Marney Heinen, John Buchanan, Polly Daniel, Clifton Daniel, Barbara Corns, Prudence Churchill, Peter Bek-Gran, and Elena Spottswood.
Progress Report 10 7 Harry’s Girls Auxiliary
Circa 1950 Present
Progress Report
Restoring the House
Circa 1950 Present
History is a process of discovery and the internet allows the Florida Keys applied all these coatings at a discounted
The original artwork used inated and a large donor was
in the Little White House Our Mission, “To Protect and Preserve forced to withdraw on offer to
thousands of resources to be searched in relatively short price and reduced the price even further through a $20,000
order. The Little White House opened as a museum in 1991 donation. Computer enhanced enlargements of vintage pho-
were prints and paintings
based upon the best available resources of 1989. Beginning tographs taken by the Navy during their 1949 remodeling for
from the Beverly Robinson
the building and grounds of the state re-carpet to purchase We need
$25,000
the interior.
the car-
in 2003, The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation re-ex- the President brought a level of detail that had previously
amined every detail of the restoration. We had two advan- been unavailable. The wallpaper design in the foyers was re-
Collection and had been heritage landmark known as the pet. The restoration of the
loaned by the U.S. Naval kitchen will cost an addi-
tages not available in 1989: the luxury of time and new drawn from a photograph, new stencils cut and the original
Academy in Annapolis, Harry S. Truman Little White House.” tional $40,000. Additional
scientific advances. 1949 wallpaper reprinted by Scalamandre of Long Island,
Maryland . The originals are furniture and objects are
A professional paint analysis was conducted by Matthew New York.
irreplaceable so high resolution replicas were printed now needed to replicate the 1949 appearance. Other critical proj-
Mosca of Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Mosca removed 150 A search on the internet allowed us to locate a sample of
grace our walls today. Many of these improvements can be ects include insulation of the attic, capture and recirculation
samples that were examined under microscopes to identify the original Waverly fabric used in the living room and dining
seen in the photographs above. of rainwater for our irrigation system, and a new generator
every layer of paint since 1890. The scientific specifications room. Two hundred yards of discontinued fabric was located
The house is not complete! We still need your help . The to provide electric power critical for maintaining temperature
allowed Glidden Paint and Coatings of Cleveland, Ohio to and new draperies, cornices, sofa and chairs reupholstered in
economic meltdown of 2008 caused many grants to be elim- and humidity control during storms.
perfectly match color, shade and sheen. Preferred Painting of the original patterns.
Progress Report 8 9 Restoring the House